Reza Mahmud and Abu Jakir :
Ongoing uncertainty over the general election continues to strain the relationship between political parties and the Interim Government, as Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus remains silent on a definitive election date.
The absence of a clear roadmap has left political parties frustrated, further widening the divide over the nation’s electoral future.
In a recent address to the nation, Dr. Yunus suggested that elections might be scheduled between late 2025 and early 2026.
While intended to provide guidance, this has sparked dissatisfaction among major political parties, who are demanding clarity on the timeline for reforms and a concrete election date.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been particularly vocal. On Monday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for mass protests, urging citizens to “take to the streets like on August 5 to ensure voting and food rights.” This appeal has ignited significant discussion within the political landscape.
BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury underscored the urgency of holding elections without delay.
Speaking to The New Nation, he said, “Reform is a long-term process, but there are compelling reasons for our demand to conduct elections promptly.”
He added that citizens are eager for a government elected by their mandate, while investors await stability to drive economic growth. “Law and order hinge on the establishment of a stable political government.
Foreign nations also seek such a government to foster diplomatic and economic ties,” he said, stressing that timely elections are essential for stability and meeting public demand.
BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal also raised concerns about potential delays, warning, “Some quarters seem to be attempting to delay the election, which is why the BNP has repeatedly cautioned the government.”
Similarly, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman called for elections as soon as possible following necessary reforms. Other political alliances, including the 12-party coalition allied with the BNP, have echoed these demands.
Coalition spokesperson Shahadat Hossain acknowledged that while the Chief Adviser’s speech offered general guidance, it failed to specify a reform timeline or a firm election date. He noted that most coalition parties prefer elections by June 2025.
However, government adviser Asif Mahmud cautioned on Tuesday that “impatience over the election is disrupting the government’s reform initiatives.” He stated, “The government will proceed with elections only after implementing the necessary reforms.”
Political analyst and Dhaka University Professor Dr. S. M. Ali Reza downplayed concerns of a rift between the Interim Government and political parties.
“There is nothing fundamentally negative in their relationship concerning reforms and election demands,” he remarked.
While political rhetoric may appear divisive, he noted that formal and informal dialogues suggest progress. “Dialogue can bridge the gap, enabling elections to take place after sustainable reforms are achieved with mutual understanding,” he concluded.
Left-leaning parties have also joined the debate. Ruhin Hossain, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), described the Chief Adviser’s timeline as a positive signal but emphasised the need for a structured roadmap developed through stakeholder dialogue.
He suggested such a roadmap could ensure elections by 2025, fostering stability in the political and economic spheres.
